Tag: campfire safety

Have you thought about a safer way to have a warm, crackling fire in your camping area? Smokey Bear has given seven tips for you and your parents to follow when you want a campfire. Always ask a parent to help you when around a fire because fires can be dangerous.

1. Dig a small pit away from overhanging branches. Most parks have campfire pits ready and waiting for you.
2. Circle the pit with rocks or be sure it already has a metal fire ring.
3. Clear a five-foot area around the pit down to the soil.
4. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
5. Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
6. After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
7. Never leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute.

via EEK! – Smokey Bear s 7 Campfire Safety Tips.

Campfires can be a great addition to your Campout. Below are some tips to get the most out of your campfire experience. Be sure to check with the campground manager or the local forest service about possible restrictions due to forest fire hazards.

• Keep the fire small.
• Softwoods, like pine, fir, and cedar, are best for starting a fire.
• Have water available to extinguish the fire properly.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Maintain a debris-free area around the fire, so sparks cannot ignite vegetation and spread the fire.
• Make sure ashes are cold when you leave the fire.
• Build fires only in fire rings, stoves or fireplaces.
• Use only dead wood lying on the ground. Do not cut live trees, or branches from trees near the campsite.
• Start the fire by building a small teepee of dry sticks and igniting it with a match. As the fire gets started, add larger pieces of wood.
• Extinguish all fires by pouring water on them, stirring the ashes and pouring more water.
• Leave your fire ring clean for the next campers.

via Campfire Safety – National Wildlife Federation.